Tree Planting on City Property

Tree plantings are initiated by City staff proactively as part of the effort to increase Toronto’s tree canopy, as replacements for removed trees or due to other planting requirements. Each potential tree planting location is assessed by staff to determine the best tree species and specific spot for planting.

• Streets trees are trees planted on the road allowance (the City-owned portion of land between roadways and private property).
• Hardsurface trees are planted into planter boxes, sidewalk cutouts or other built forms. They are often street trees but can also be in parks. The City is responsible for replanting any trees that are removed in hard surface locations.
• Parks trees are planted in parks or other City-owned greenspaces.

A property owner can also submit a tree planting request for the City-owned road allowance in front of their home or business by contacting 311 or submitting their request online.

The species and planting location have been selected through an onsite evaluation of growing factors including:

• Available space.
• Soil conditions and sunlight.
• Underground utilities, overhead wires and other utilities.
• Paved surfaces and other structures.

Visit Species Planted on Streets or review the Street Tree Brochure for information on tree species commonly available for planting by the City of Toronto as street trees.

Notice of Planned Tree Planting in Residential Areas

The City can recommend that a tree be planted on the City-owned road allowance adjacent to your property. If your address is selected to receive a tree from the City, you will receive a hand-delivered Notice of Planned Tree Planting in your mailbox or door.

This notice will include:

• Why this planting has been planned.
• Proposed planting location.
• Proposed tree species.
• An approximate timeframe for when the tree will be planted.
• Notice delivery date.

If you have questions or concerns or if you wish to cancel a recommended tree planting, contact 311 within three weeks from the notice delivery date.

Replacement Tree Planting

Replacement plantings may be offset from the stump for installation and tree health purposes. The planned location may be adjusted onsite at the time of planting due to roots, utilities or other underground obstacles.

During a Planned Tree Planting

On the day of the planting, ensure there is a 1.5-metre by 1.5-metre clearance around the proposed planting site. Remove items like decorative features, flower pots, plants or other objects.

The City of Toronto is not responsible for damages to any private property located on the City-owned road allowance.

A notice with additional tree care information will be provided at the time of planting.

It is important to care for newly planted trees for the first two to three years while they become established. The City will water, mulch, prune, fertilize or stake newly planted trees when needed.

How You Can Help Your New Tree

• Water your newly planted tree for the first two to three years while the tree becomes established. Water the tree frequently so that the area around the base and the edge of the mulch pile remains moist.
• Do not add soil or pile mulch against the trunk of the tree as it damages the tree.
• Be careful when cutting the lawn around the base of the tree as young bark can be easily injured.
• Do not plant flowers around the base of the tree as it damages the roots.
• Do not tie rope, string or other objects around the trunk or branches as this can injure the tree.

If a tree requires additional maintenance, beyond proactive maintenance, a service request can be submitted through 311 Toronto to have the tree inspected for appropriate action taken by the City.